AFL in bind over future concussion insurance for players
The Geelong concussion waiver raises serious concerns about how the AFL will insure players who suffer traumatic brain injuries.
The Australian Football League (AFL) finds itself in a predicament over future concussion insurance for players following a report into Geelong player Jake Kolodjashnij's concussion waiver. The AFL's independent investigator, James Peters, did not find any wrongdoing by Geelong in allowing Kolodjashnij to sign a waiver absolving the club from legal obligations.
Kolodjashnij agreed to take on the legal risk of future concussions to continue his career. The AFL fined Geelong $140,000 for altering Kolodjashnij's contract and failing to lodge the waiver with the league. However, this fine was not due to any issues with the waiver itself. Both the AFL and the AFL Players Association (AFLPA) are adamant that no similar waivers will be approved in the future, as they would need approval from the Players Association and would alter minimum terms bargained for by the Players Association.
The AFLPA has a $54 million Injury and Support Fund to cover players' injuries, but Zurich Insurance, which provided cover for the AFLPA's superannuation fund, decided to stop paying total and permanent disability benefits for players with neurological impairments linked to head injuries. As a result, players are now only covered through the AFLPA's fund.
The AFL and the AFLPA are conducting a review to address the lack of insurance options and the severity of concussion issues.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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